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2019 will serve as the ninth professional season for Burgos, who has spent time in the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations. Burgos last pitched in the United States in 2017 with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League, making 13 relief appearances. The left-hander made one scoreless outing for Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason.

“We think this has the potential to be the perfect situation for Alex,” manager Brent Clevlen said. “He’s had to go through so many changes over the last few years, whether that’s his role on a pitching staff, his arm slot, or just the organization he’s with. Our goal is to help him get back to the guy who showed he can dominate professional hitters when he’s going good.”

Burgos was a fifth round selection by the Detroit Tigers in the 2010 MLB Draft following an impressive two-year career at NJCAA power State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota. The Kissimmee, Florida native delivered a record-breaking sophomore season for the Manatees, finishing 13-1 with a 1.42 ERA in 14 starts and helping SCF to the NJCAA College World Series.

After signing with the Tigers, Burgos began his professional career with Detroit’s Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2010, producing a 1.54 ERA out of the bullpen. The following season, Burgos moved back to the starting rotation with Class-A West Michigan, making 16 starts and fashioning a 2.19 ERA in 94.2 innings.

Heading into 2012, Burgos was named the Tigers #8 prospect by Baseball America, but control issues sidetracked his development. After walking 88 in 121.0 innings for High-A Lakeland, Burgos repeated the level each of the next two seasons, eventually moving full time into the bullpen. The lefty posted an excellent 2013 campaign, tossing 65.0 innings with a 2.89 ERA. But a high walk rate the following season caused the Tigers to leave Burgos unprotected in the Minor League phase of the Rule V Draft, where he was taken by the Miami Marlins.

Burgos split the 2015 season between High-A and Double-A in the Marlins system, posting an identical 2.12 ERA at both stops. He was once again selected in the Rule V Draft prior to 2016, this time by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Burgos earned a pair of promotions during the 2016 season, eventually climbing up to Double-A Tulsa, but despite a 2.39 ERA in 48.1 innings he was granted his release.

Over his eight previous professional seasons, covering 172 relief appearances and 43 starts, the 28-year old owns a 33-30 record with a solid 3.57 ERA. In 506.1 innings, Burgos has 397 strikeouts and 263 walks, allowing only 462 hits. Burgos also brings substantial international experience to Cleburne, having pitched with Team Germany in the 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifier and also with Mayaguez in the Puerto Rico Winter League for parts of five seasons.

The signing gives the Railroaders a total of 22 players under contract for the 2019 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which opens on May 4.

The 3rd season of Railroaders baseball and the club’s pursuit of its first division title kicks off with a four-game home series against the Sioux Falls Canaries, beginning on Thursday, May 16. For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.